Fame awaited Wilson's Creek poker players

7:43 PM,
Aug. 11, 2013

Vincent Tyndall

Written by

Vincent
TYNDALL

On Aug. 10, 1861, Missouri marked its 40th anniversary of statehood, in a manner unexpected by event planners: the second major battle of the Civil War.

The Battle of Wilson's Creek started in the early hours of the morning and was over before noon. By nightfall, the Union soldiers and most of the citizens of Springfield were on the move, heading toward Rolla, not knowing who was behind them, fearing for their lives and taking only what property they were able to carry.

The Confederates took Springfield, cared for the wounded on both sides, set up tents, built campfires and congratulated each ...